Adjustable foot equipment

ABSTRACT

The adjustable foot equipment (10) is adaptable to ski boots, in-line roller skates, ice skates, water skis and snowboards, and includes a base (32) formed with a depending appendage (30) adapted to be joined with a support member (102). The appendage (30) and the support member (102) are formed with complementary engaging curved surfaces that permit relative pivotal movement between a foot holding portion (20) of the foot equipment and the support member (102). Once a desired offset angular orientation between the support member (102) and the foot holding portion (20) is determined, a securing arrangement locks the support member to the appendage. The securing arrangement can be easily released to permit resetting of a selected offset angular orientation. Some embodiments of the invention permit permanent adjustment of a selected offset angular orientation.

This application is a §371 of PCT/US95/14396, filed Oct. 25, 1995, whichis a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/333,374, filed Nov. 2,1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,901.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to adjustable foot equipment for such activitiesas snow skiing, snowboarding, water skiing, roller skating, ice skating,walking and running.

It is well known that the most prevalent posture conditions orcategories of a person's legs are legs which are commonly referred to asbowing inwardly toward each other, bowing outwardly and away from eachother, and legs which are in a substantially vertical orientation. Invarious other leg posture conditions, the leg orientation can deviateslightly inwardly or outwardly from a vertical reference plane locatedbetween the legs.

The particular leg orientation which is optimal for different sports isdebatable and subject to considerable differences of opinion. In skiing,for example, given current designs of boots and skis, it is consideredoptimal for the legs to be oriented approximately vertically.

Foot engageable equipment used in skiing is generally designed to fit an"average user's" leg orientation in a standing position relative to theground. However, the so-called "average user's" leg orientation is notnecessarily a vertical orientation. Because many people do not have legorientations that conform to the target leg orientation that is designedinto a particular piece of foot engageable equipment, such equipment mayexaggerate an individual's leg deviation from the vertical referenceplane, which in many instances is undesirable.

Consequently, depending upon an individual's normal leg orientation,foot engageable equipment can place the legs in a position that iseither beneficial or detrimental to the user's performance. This in turnmay lead to increased or decreased performance proficiency, depending onthe user, and the application.

The term "off-vertical leg orientation" is intended to refer to theamount of deviation of an individual's legs from a vertical referenceplane between the legs. Off-vertical leg orientation can be measuredwhile the foot engageable equipment is being worn and the user isstanding in what is considered a "normal" standing position, or when theuser is not wearing any foot engageable equipment. For discussionpurposes, it will be assumed that vertical leg orientation with footequipment being worn is the desired objective for obtaining optimalperformance and proficiency.

Thus, in skiing, the optimal leg posture position with foot engageableequipment is considered to be a position of vertical orientation whilethe ski bases are horizontally flat on the snow. Preferably theorientation of the legs should be symmetrical.

During turns, rotational and angular movements of the legs and body areused to turn and edge the skis as well as create desirable bodypositions. These movements serve a dual purpose of creating directionchanges as well as placing the center of mass of the body in a positionto balance against the forces generated while turning.

A skier who starts out with an off-vertical leg orientation may beunable to simultaneously create both the proper edge angle and body tiltnecessary for proficient turning movements. This forces the skier tocompensate by using exaggerated or inefficient movement patterns as partof his or her technique, such as overuse of femoral rotation, excessiveabduction of the knee joint, hip flexion, etc.

It is thus well known that skill development and proficiency in skiingare usually easier to accomplish if one's leg orientation is verticalwherein the side edges of the ski are generally in a plane that issubstantially horizontal to the ground. Skiers whose leg orientationdeviates from the vertical, such that there is an off-vertical legorientation, experience difficulty in both balancing and edgingabilities. Such skiers have recently been the focus of numerous attemptsto compensate for the off-vertical condition.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,732,635 to Marker shows a ski boot upperthat is pivotal with respect to a tub-like sole. Pivotal adjustment isaccomplished via front and rear brackets that permit universaladjustment of the upper relative to the tub-like sole. However, thisstructure is difficult to adjust, and once adjusted can easily go out ofadjustment because of relative flexion between the brackets.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,322 to Dalebout shows heel and toe piece elementsfor a ski boot to provide specific cant angles adapted to a particularskier's needs. The heel and toe pieces can either be standard stockitems provided in specific angular increments or a custom-made heel andtoe piece for individual requirements. A further variation of this themeis shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,702. Neither of these patents show adevice that permits simple readjustment from one angular condition toanother.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,659 to DeMarchi et al shows sole portions adapted tofit on the front and rear tenons of a ski boot to provide desiredcorrection for a bow-legged or knock-kneed skier. This device also doesnot permit simple readjustment from one adjusted condition to another.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,118 to Zanatta shows an inclination adjustorprovided on an upper portion of a boot to adjust the inclination of theupper portion relative to the lower portion. This device is alsodifficult to change when readjustment is necessary.

It is thus desirable to provide a simple adjustable means for footequipment that compensates for off-vertical leg orientation that isrelatively easy to use and permits further readjustment when needed. Itis also desirable to provide adjustment means adaptable to differentfoot equipment used for different activities.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision ofnovel adjustable foot equipment, novel adjustable foot equipment whereinfoot retention means and support means for the foot retention means areadjustable to selected angular orientations, novel adjustable footequipment wherein foot retention means and a support for the footretention means can be locked in position at a selected angularorientation, novel adjustable foot equipment that permits a footretention member to pivot relative to a support member and vice versawhile maintaining the foot on a desired center of rotation, noveladjustable foot equipment that permits a foot retention member to pivotrelative to a support member and vice versa while maintaining the footon a predetermined longitudinal element of a sole member, noveladjustment means for foot equipment that is adaptable to different typesof foot equipment for different activities, novel adjustable footequipment that corrects off-vertical leg orientation to provide theequivalent of a vertical leg orientation, novel adjustment means forfoot equipment that allows for adjustment to any leg orientation,depending on the sport or the preference of the user, novel adjustmentmeans for foot equipment that permits quick and easy adjustment of legorientation and readjustment when necessary, and a novel method ofproviding a selected leg orientation.

Other objects and features of the invention will be in part apparent andin part pointed out hereinafter.

In accordance with the invention, the adjustable foot equipment includesfoot holding means for accommodating a foot. The foot holding means hasa base formed with a depending appendage. A substantially rigid supportmeans is joined to the appendage to permit relative pivotal movementbetween the foot holding means and the support means to selected angularorientations. The pivotal movement is about an axis extendinglongitudinally of the base portion of the foot holding means. Theinvention further includes securing means for locking the support meansand the base portion together at a predetermined angular orientationthat compensates for the off-vertical leg orientation of the user orallows the leg orientation of the user to be set as desired.

The appendage has a convex outer surface and the support means has acomplementary concave surface to engage with the appendage. Preferably,the appendage has a semicylindrical contour and the concave surface ofthe support means conforms with the cylindrical contour of theappendage.

The center of curvature of the appendage lies within the foot holdingmeans, preferably at a longitudinal middle portion of an inner solemember.

In several embodiments of the invention the securing means includes afastener that extends from the support means through the appendage toengage a connection member within a hollow portion of the appendage.

In another embodiment of the invention, the securing means includes arivet-like fastener that extends from the support means to engagedirectly with the appendage.

In still another embodiment of the invention, the appendage is a solidformation and the securing means includes a fastener that extends fromthe support means directly into the solid portion of the appendage.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a kit for adjustable footequipment includes a base member for a foot holding means. The basemember has the depending appendage formed with a convex surface. The kitalso includes the support means and the securing means of previousembodiments of the invention. The base member is adapted to be joined toa foot holding means, such as a boot, wherein the bottom is removed. Thebase portion of the kit thus forms the bottom portion of the bottomlessboot. The combination of the base portion with the support means and thesecuring means provides the boot with selective offset angularadjustability.

The adjustable foot equipment is adaptable to ski boots, in-line rollerskating boots, ice skate boots, walking shoes, snowboards and waterskis, for example.

Indicia means provided on the foot holding member and the support meanspermit easy adjustment of a predetermined angular offset between thefoot holding means and the support means.

In several embodiments of the invention the adjustable foot equipmentcan be repeatedly adjusted by simply loosening the securing means andretightening them to a desired offset position.

In another embodiment of the invention, the adjustable foot equipmentcan be set at a permanent offset angular position.

In all embodiments of the invention, it is relatively easy to establishan offset angular orientation between a support means and a foot holdingmember to compensate for off-vertical leg orientation.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions and methodhereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated in theclaims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings,

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic elevational view of adjustable footequipment incorporating one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary bottom perspective view of the foot retentionportion thereof;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the adjustable foot equipment;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view thereof taken on the line 5--5 ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view thereof taken on the line 6--6 ofFIG. 5;

FIGS. 6a and 6b are fragmentary sectional views similar to FIG. 6showing different angular offset adjustments thereof;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7a is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 7 showingdifferent angular offset adjustments thereof;

FIGS. 8-10 are fragmentary sectional views of still other embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view of still another embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of an insert member thereof;

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of still another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary elevational view thereof;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 15--15 of FIG.14;

FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of still another embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 17-19 are further embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a simplified elevational view of a conventional ski boot;

FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 20 with the bottom portion of the skiboot removed;

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a kit prior to incorporation with thebottomless ski boot of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a partially exploded sectional view of a kit prior toincorporation with the bottomless ski boot of FIGS. 21 and 22;

FIG. 24 is a simplified schematic perspective view of adjustable footequipment incorporating a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line25--25 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 25A is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 25 showing adifferent angular offset adjustment thereof;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary sectional view thereof taken on the line 26--26of FIG. 24.; and

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment of theinvention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Adjustable foot equipment incorporating one embodiment of the inventionis generally indicated by the reference number 10 in FIG. 1.

The foot equipment 10 is in the form of a ski boot having an upper footretention portion 14 of conventional known plastic ski bootconstruction. The foot retention portion 14 includes a pliable innerboot 16 extending from a rigid plastic ankle shell portion 18 that ishinged to a rigid plastic foot enclosure shell portion 20.

Known securement members such as buckles 22 and a strap 24 are providedon the ankle portion 18 and the foot enclosure portion 20 as shown inFIG. 1.

The invention is adaptable to any current known ski boot constructionformed of rigid or flexible outer shells.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an appendage 30 that can be moldedintegrally with the foot enclosure portion 20 depends from a marginalbase portion 32 of the boot 10. The appendage 30 is formed of a rigidplastic semi-cylindrical shell or wall 34 with a curved and closed toeend portion 36 and a similar curved and closed heel end portion 40.However, it should be noted that the shape of the end portions 36 and 40is a matter of choice. A pair of spaced slots 46 and 48 are provided inthe appendage wall 34 near the toe end 36 and a slot 50 is provided nearthe heel end 40. The marginal base portion 32 and the appendage 30 formthe base of the foot retention portion 14.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the marginal base portion 32 forms an innermarginal ledge 56 within the foot enclosure portion 20 to support a soleplate or inner sole member 58. The sole member 58 is preferably formedof plastic and has a toe end 60 and a heel end 62 corresponding to thetoe end portion 36 and the heel end portion 40 of the appendage 30.Although not shown for purposes of clarity, the sole member 58 can beprovided with any suitable known heel and arch support structure. Thesole member 58 is disposed against or detachably secured to the marginalledge 56. A space 72 is thus defined between the appendage wall 34 andthe sole member 58.

Referring to FIG. 6, the radial size of the appendage 30 and thepositioning of the sole member 58 are so selected that a center ofcurvature C of the semi-cylindrical wall portion 34 of the appendage 30coincides with an upper surface 64 of the sole member 58. The center ofcurvature C also lies on a plane that passes through the longitudinalmid-portion of the base of the foot retention portion 14, where suchplane intersects the upper surface of the sole member 58. For purposesof visual simplification, the center of curvature C will also bereferred to as lying approximately at a mid-portion of the sole member58, such as shown in FIGS. 6, 6A and 6B.

The simplified location of the center of curvature C of the appendage atthe mid-portion of the sole member 58 will be presumed in allembodiments of the invention unless otherwise indicated.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, three connection members 80, 82 and 84 inthe form of semi-cylindrical segments are disposed in the appendagespace 72. The connection members 80, 82 and 84 are preferably formed ofmetal such as aluminum and include respective curved surfaces 86, 88 and90 (FIG. 2) that are complementary to the inner curved surface 94 of theappendage wall 34. Each of the connection members 80, 82 and 84 includesa pair of spaced and threaded holes 96 and 98.

Referring to FIG. 2, a pair of support members 102 and 104, preferablyformed of plastic or other suitable material, are respectively providedat the toe end 36 and the heel end 40 of the appendage 30. The toe endsupport member 102 includes a concave upper surface 108 that iscomplementary to the toe end surface 36 of the appendage 30. A plane ofsymmetry, shown as the line A in FIG. 6, of the concave surface 108aligns with the center of curvature C of the appendage wall 34, and alsopasses through the mid-portion of the support member 102.

The line A is also used as a vertical reference line to measure angularoffset from the vertical. The angular offset from the vertical is theoff-vertical orientation correction angle. For purposes ofsimplification, the line A as seen in FIG. 6 can also be referred to asan axis of symmetry.

A curved end portion 110 of the support member 102 is formed with a step112 of predetermined size to define what is commonly referred to as aDIN surface.

Most modern ski boots are manufactured in accordance with the DIN 7880Standard Specification for ski boot dimensions. Similar standards havebeen adopted by the International Standards Organization (ISO) and theAmerican Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM). These standards definethe critical shapes at the toe and heel of a ski boot, to help insurecompatibility with ski bindings that meet DIN norm 7881.

Thus, the step 112 constitutes a DIN surface sized to meet the standardDIN specifications for engagement with a known compatible toe end skibinding 114 (FIG. 1) of a known conventional ski 100. The binding 114 isusually located on the ski 100 such that the axis of symmetry A of thesupport member 102 aligns with the longitudinal mid-portion of the ski100.

The support member 102 further includes two pairs of spaced unthreadedholes 116, 118, 120 and 122 adapted to align with the threaded holes 96and 98 of the connection members 80 and 82. Four screws 126, 128, 130and 132 pass through the support member 102 and the slots 46 and 48 ofthe appendage wall 34 to engage the threaded holes 96 and 98 of theconnection members 80 and 82.

The heel end support member 104 includes a concave upper surface 136that is complementary to the heel end surface 40 of the appendage 30.The concave surface 136 has the same plane of symmetry as the concavesurface 108 (shown as the line A in FIG. 6). The line A or axis ofsymmetry aligns with the center of curvature C of the appendage wall 134and also passes through the mid-portion of the support member 104.

A curved end portion 138 of the support member 104 is formed with aledge 140 of predetermined height to define a DIN surface of standardsize. The DIN surface 140 engages a known compatible heel end skibinding 142 (FIG. 1) on the ski 100. The binding 142 is preferablylocated on the ski 100 such that the axis of symmetry A of the supportmember 104 aligns with the longitudinal mid-portion of the ski 100.

The support member 104 further includes a pair of spaced and unthreadedholes 148 and 150 adapted to align with the threaded holes 96 and 98 ofthe connection member 84. Two screws 154 and 156 pass through thesupport member 104 and the slot 50 of the appendage wall 34 to engagethe threaded holes 96 and 98 of the connection member 84.

In using the adjustable foot equipment 10 the support members 102 and104 are loosely connected to the connection members 80, 82 and 84through the appendage wall 34. The screws 126-132 and 156-158 passthrough the support members 102 and 104 and the slots 46-50 of theappendage wall 34 to engage the connection members 80-84. The appendagewall 34 is thus sandwiched between the support members 102 and 104 andthe connection members 80-84. In this manner the support members 102 and104 and the connection members 80, 82 and 84 are held together whilebeing pivoted with respect to the foot retention portion 14.

A determination is made of a skier's leg orientation in a normalstanding position relative to the vertical reference axis A. Thisdetermination can be made while the skier is wearing the boot 10. If theskier's leg orientation deviates from the vertical axis A, a measurementof such off-vertical angular deviation is made. An appropriate angularadjustment is made to the support members 102 and 104 by use ofpre-marked indicia lines such as 150 (FIG. 4) on the outer surface ofthe appendage 30.

The indicia lines 150 which each represent a predetermined angulardisplacement from a zero degree reference line 146 that corresponds tozero degree deviation from the vertical reference axis A. The indicialines, such as 150, extend between the support members 102 and 104 andare marked in appropriate angular increments. In addition, themid-portion of respective base surfaces 152 and 153 of each of thesupport members includes reference marks 155 and 157. The referencemarks 155 and 157 align with the zero degree indicia line 148 on theappendage 30 when there is zero degree offset between the foot retentionportion 14 and the support members 102 and 104. For example, FIG. 6shows a zero degree offset condition between the foot retention portion14 and the support member 104.

Once a measurement is made of a skier's off-vertical leg orientation ina normal standing position, such measurement is used to adjust therelative offset position between the support members 102 and 104 and thefoot retention member 14 for the off-vertical leg orientation. Suchadjustment is made by pivoting the support members 102 and 104 or thefoot retention member 14 relative to each other by the measured angularamount such that the reference marks 155 and 157 align withcorresponding angular indicia 150 on the appendage 30.

In this manner a predetermined angular offset between the foot retentionmember 14 and the support members 102 and 104 is provided to compensatefor any deviation between a skier's legs from a vertical reference axis.Thus, if one of the skier's legs has a 10° counterclockwise deviationfrom the vertical, the appropriate correction is a 10° clockwise offsetbetween the support members 102 and 104 and the foot retention portion14, such as shown at reference number 68 in FIG. 6A.

Since the mid-portion of the sole member 58 aligns with the longitudinalmid-portion of the ski 100 and the center of curvature C of theappendage 30 or pivot center of the boot 10 is also at the middle of thesole member 58, the center of curvature C remains aligned with themiddle of the ski 100 for all angular adjustments of the boot 10.

Thus, when the appendage 30 is loosely engaged with the support members102 and 104, the support members are pivotable about an axis extendinglongitudinally of the foot retention member 14 at the sole portion 58and passing through the center of curvature C. Similarly, the footretention member 14 is pivotable with respect to the support members 102and 104 about the same longitudinal axis of the foot retention memberthat passes through the center of curvature C. Under this arrangement, afoot located in the boot 10 will remain at the longitudinal mid-portionof the ski 100 for all angular adjustments of the boot 10.

Further offset angular adjustments can be made with regard to the otherleg such as indicated by the reference number 70 in FIG. 6B. Differentmagnitudes of angular adjustment are made for each leg where warranted.

It should also be noted that an angular offset adjustment between one ofthe support members, such as the heel end support member 104 and thefoot retention portion 14, can facilitate adjustment between the othersupport member 102 and the foot retention portion 14.

For example, the toe end support member 102 can be adjusted tocorrespond to the angular offset position of the previously adjustedheel end support member 104 by standing the boot 10 on a horizontalsurface such as a table-top. The angular adjustment between the heel endsupport member 104 and the foot retention portion 14 is used to controlthe angular adjustment between the toe end support member 102 and thefoot retention portion 14. Final tightening of the toe end supportmember 102 can thus easily follow the adjustment of the heel end supportmember 104.

As shown in FIGS. 13-15, connector rods such as 146 and 147 can beprovided to connect the support members 102 and 104. The connector rods146 and 147 ensure that adjustment of any one support member will resultin a corresponding movement of the other support member.

Thus, opposite ends of the rods 146 and 147 are flattened, as indicatedat 158 (FIG. 15) and disposed in the support members 102 and 104. A lockscrew 159 provided in the support members 102 and 104 is threadedagainst the flat surface 158 of the rods 146 and 147, to lock the rods146 and 147 in the support members 102 and 104.

In this manner, movement of both support members 102 and 104 will occursimultaneously to facilitate adjustment of the relative offset betweenthe foot retention portion 14 and the support members 102 and 104.

As a further option, the support members 102 and 104 can be combined toform one support member 64, as shown in FIG. 16. The support member 64has the general structural characteristics of both of the supportmembers 102 and 104. Securement of the support member 64 to the footretention portion 14 in a selected angular offset position isaccomplished in a manner similar to that previously described for thesupport members 102 and 104. Also, if desired, the connection members80, 82 and 84 can be combined to form one connection member. Forexample, a combined unitary connection member 69, shown dotted in FIG.16, can be substituted for the members 80, 82 and 84 wherever theseparate connection members are used.

An indicator mark 66 is provided alongside an opening 68 in the supportmember 64 to register with the angular increment indicia 150 on theappendage 30 and permits setting of the angular offset in a mannersimilar to that previously described.

If desired, the adjustment of the support members 102 and 104 can bemade while a skier is wearing the boot 10. Such adjustment is made withthe skier standing on a horizontal surface and by pivoting the footretention member to the desired angular position from the vertical suchas shown in FIGS. 6a or 6b. Once the desired angular position isreached, the screws such as 154 and 156 are tightened to securely lockthe support members 102 and 104 and the connection members 80, 82 and 84against the appendage wall 34.

Although the dimensions of the appendage 30 can vary in accordance withthe size of the ski boot, a suitable outside diameter of the appendageis approximately 2.3 inches, with a wall thickness of approximately 3.5millimeters. The slots 46, 48 and 50 can be approximately 6.7millimeters wide and approximately 47 millimeters long. The connectionmembers 80 and 82 can be approximately 13 millimeters wide and theconnection member 84 can be approximately 26 millimeters wide. The holespacing can be approximately 28 millimeters and the spacing between theholes on connection members 80 and 82 can be approximately 42millimeters. The altitude of the connection members is approximately 1/2inch and the screws are stainless steel 1/4-20. This arrangement shouldprovide at least a 15° range of angular adjustment from the verticalreference A.

Another embodiment of the adjustable foot equipment, also in the form ofa ski boot of the type previously described, is generally indicated bythe reference number 160 in FIG. 7.

The main difference between the boot 160 and the boot 10 is in themanner of joining the toe and heel support members to the appendage. Forexample, the appendage of the boot 160 has fastener holes instead of theslots 46, 48 and 50 of the boot 10. In addition, the support members ofthe boot 160 have slots instead of the fastener holes 116-122 and148-150 of the boot 10. The boot 160 is otherwise similar in structureand operation to the boot 10.

Thus, the boot 160 includes a foot retention portion 162 identical tothe foot retention portion 14 and an appendage 164 of the same generalshape as the appendage 30. However, the appendage 164 has separatefastener holes such as 166 and 168 instead of the slots 46, 48 and 50 ofthe appendage 30. The appendage 164 is otherwise identical to theappendage 30.

The boot 160 also includes a heel end support member 170 with a slot 172instead of the fastener holes 148 and 150 of the heel end support member104. The slot 172 has a reduced width portion 174 near the concavesurface 136 of the support member 170. The heel end support member 170includes equally thick side portions 171 and 173 and is otherwiseidentical to the heel end support member 104.

An connection member 178 provided inside the appendage 164 is identicalto the connection member 84.

A pair of screws 182 and 184 are insertable in the slot 172 such thatthe screw heads abut against the reduced width portion 174. The screws182 and 184 pass through the respective fastener holes 166 and 168 ofthe appendage 164 for engagement with the threaded holes 96 and 98 ofthe connection member 178.

The slot 172 and the reduced width portion 174 in the heel end supportmember 170 are also provided in two places in the toe end support member(not shown). The toe end support member (not shown) is otherwiseidentical to the toe end support member 102. To avoid repetitivedescription, the details of the toe end support member of the boot 160are omitted.

The boot 160 is used in a manner similar to that previously describedfor the boot 10. Thus, an angular offset such as indicated at 186 or 188between the foot retention portion 162 and the heel end support member170, for example, is based on a measurement of the off-verticalorientation of the legs. Such measurement also determines the angularoffset between the toe end support member (not shown) and the appendage164. The heel end support member 170 is adjusted to a fixed positionagainst the appendage 164 by tightening the screws 182 and 184 in theconnection member 178. The toe end support member (not shown) issimilarly secured to the appendage 164 with the same angular offset.

Referring to FIG. 7A, it should be noted that the line of symmetry Apasses through the middle portion of the sole member 58, and coincideswith the center of curvature C of the appendage 164. If the ski bindingssuch as 114 and 142 (FIG. 1) locate the boot 160 at the longitudinalmiddle portion of the ski 100, the line of symmetry A and the center ofcurvature C of the foot retention portion 162 align with thelongitudinal middle of the ski 100. Thus, any angular adjustment betweenthe appendage 164 and the support member 170 will not displace thecenter of curvature C, which also represents the middle of a skier'sfoot (not shown), from the middle of the ski 100.

A further embodiment of the adjustable foot equipment, also in the formof a ski boot of the type previously described, is generally indicatedby the reference number 260 in FIG. 10. The boot 260 has many featuresof the boot 160 including the foot retention portion 162, the appendage164, the connection member 178, and the screws 166 and 168. Asignificant distinction between the boot 160 and the boot 260 is a heelend support member 262. The support member 262 includes the concavesurface 136 but, as shown in FIG. 10, has a side portion 272 that isthicker than an opposite side portion 274. The support member 262 isthus asymmetrical about a middle axis B that passes through the middleof the support member. The middle axis B is offset by an amount 266 fromthe axis A that passes through the middle portion of the sole member 58and coincides with the center of curvature C of the appendage 162. Theboot 260 thus differs from the boot 160 by provision of the asymmetricalheel end support member 262. The support member 262 is otherwisestructurally similar to the support member 170.

Thus, if the support member 262 is located at the longitudinal middleportion of the ski 100, the mid-portion of the sole 58 and the pivotcenter C of the boot 260 are laterally offset by the amount 266 withrespect to the longitudinal middle portion of the ski. Such lateraloffset of the boot may be desired by experienced skiers for purposes ofpracticing advanced skiing techniques.

As with the boots 160 and 260, further embodiments of the invention aredistinguished by the manner in which either of the support members andthe appendage are secured together in an adjusted angular offsetposition. Thus, the description of such other embodiments willconcentrate on the distinctive features of one of the support membersand the appendage. The other support member, which will not be describedfor purposes of brevity, is related functionally and structurally to thedescribed support member in the same manner as the support members 102and 104 of the boot 10. Thus, description of the securement of the toeend support member to the appendage is omitted to avoid repetitivedetail.

Unless otherwise indicated, description of the additional embodiments,for purposes of simplicity, is directed to the manner in which the heelend support member is joined to the appendage.

Another embodiment of the adjustable foot equipment, also in the form ofa ski boot of the type previously described, is generally indicated bythe reference number 190 in FIG. 8. As with the boots 160 and 260, thedescription of the boot 190 will concentrate on the modified supportmember securement arrangement since the boot 190 is otherwise similar instructure and operation to the boot 10.

The boot 190 includes a foot retention portion 192 identical to the footretention portion 14 and an appendage 194. The appendage 194 is of thesame general shape as the appendage 30 but has no preformed slots orscrew openings.

The boot 190 further includes a heel end support member 196 whichaccommodates a screw 198. The screw 198 extends across opposite sides200 and 202 of the heel end support member 196. An unthreaded hole 204is provided in the side 200 for the head end of the screw 198 and athreaded hole 206 is provided in the opposite side 202 to receive thethreaded end of the screw 198. The heel end support member 196 isotherwise identical to the heel end support member 104.

A connection member 208 provided inside the appendage 194 has a bore 210for the screw 198. The connection member 208 is otherwise identical tothe connection member 84.

The boot 190 is used in a manner similar to that previously describedfor the boot 10. Thus, a selected angular offset D from the verticalreference axis A is provided between heel end support member 196 and thefoot retention portion 192. The heel end support member 196 and theappendage 194 are held in the selected offset position by the screw 198.

For example, with the support member 196 and the appendage loosely heldin the offset D position, holes are drilled into the offset appendage194 in alignment with the screw holes 204 and 206 of the support member196. Thus, a hole 212 is drilled into the appendage 194 in alignmentwith the unthreaded hole 204 in the side wall 200 of the support member196. An opposite hole 214 is drilled in the appendage 194 in alignmentwith the threaded hole 206 in the side wall 202 of the support member196.

The screw 198 is passed through the side wall opening 204 of the supportmember 196, into the drilled hole 212 of the appendage 194, through thebore 210 of the connection member 208, into the drilled hole 214 of theappendage 194 and threaded into the threaded hole 206 of the side wall202 of the support member 196. Tightening of the screw 198 fixes theselected angular offset D between the foot retention member 194 and thesupport member 196. The angular offset D corrects a correspondingoff-vertical orientation of a skier's legs. If desired, slight changesfrom the angular offset adjustment D can be made by enlarging thedrilled holes 212 and 214 in the appendage 194.

A further embodiment of the adjustable foot equipment, such as a skiboot, is generally indicated by the reference number 230 in FIG. 9. Thefoot 230 differs from previous embodiments in the manner of establishingan angular offset between the appendage and the support member.

The boot 230 includes a foot retention portion 232 identical to the footretention portion 14, and an appendage 234. The appendage 234 is of thesame general shape as the appendage 30 but has no preformed slots oropenings.

The boot 230 further includes a support member such as a heel endsupport member 236 that is similar to the support member 104 butincludes a pair of rivet openings 238 and 240 instead of the screw holes148 and 150.

In using the boot 230, an angular offset E is provided between thesupport member 236 and the foot retention portion 232, based on ameasurement of an individual's off-vertical leg orientation. The offsetrelationship is fixed by riveting the support member 236 directly to theappendage 234. Thus, with the support member and the appendage 234 heldat the desired angular offset E, a rivet 244 is directed into the rivetopening 238 of the support member 236. The rivet 244 passes through theappendage 234 at an opening 248 created by the rivet 244 as the rivetpenetrates the appendage 234. The rivet 244 is installed using anysuitable known automatic riveting device that creates its own rivetpenetration opening and forms a clamping head such as 252 duringinstallation.

A rivet 246 identical to the rivet 244 is similarly installed in therivet opening 240 of the support member 236, to form an opening 250 inthe appendage 234 during such installation.

It should be noted that use of the rivets 244 and 246 is intended toprovide only one permanent angular offset adjustment E of the boot 230,unless the rivets are removed and replaced at a different offsetlocation.

Another embodiment of the adjustable foot equipment, such as a ski boot,is generally indicated by the reference number 290 in FIG. 11.

The boot 290 includes a foot retention portion 14, and an appendage 292having elongated teeth or serrations 294 formed on an outer surface. Theappendage 292 is otherwise of the same general shape as the appendage30.

The boot 290 further includes a support member 296 with a concavesurface 298 similar to the concave surface 136. The concave surface 298accommodates a toothed insert 300. The toothed insert 300 which isshaped to conform to the concave surface 298 is formed with teeth 302that mesh with the teeth 294 of the appendage 292.

The insert 300 can be bonded to the concave surface 298 of the supportmember 296. If desired, the insert 300 and the support member 296 can beformed integrally, as by molding.

Angular adjustments between the support member 296 and the footretention portion 14 such as indicated by J or K in FIG. 11 can besecured by, for example, using screws with connection members (notshown), as in the boot 10, or rivets (not shown) without an connectionmember, as in the boot 230. The support member 296 can thus be providedwith screw holes (not shown) or rivet holes (not shown) as needed.

If desired, the toothed engagement between the appendage 294 and thesupport member 296 can be adapted to the angular offset securementarrangement of any of the previously described embodiments.

It is intended that the adjustable foot equipment need not be limited toa ski boot structure.

The appendages and support member structure of any previously describedembodiments can be incorporated in other foot equipment such as anin-line roller skate 430 (FIG. 17) wherein the in-line roller member 432is attached to the support members such as 102 and 104 in any suitableknown manner. The support members 102 and 104 are secured to theappendage using any of the previously described techniques. If desired,a single combined toe and heel support member, such as the supportmember 64 (FIG. 16), can be used to hold the in-line roller member 432.

In another embodiment of the invention, the adjustable foot equipment isadapted to an ice skate 440 (FIG. 18). An appendage such as theappendage 30 is provided at the base of the ice skate boot and thesupport members 102 and 104 are secured to the appendage 30 in a mannersimilar to that previously described for other embodiments of theinvention. An ice skate runner 442 is secured to the support members 102and 104 in any suitable known manner.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the adjustable foot equipmentis adapted to a walking or running shoe 450 (FIG. 19). The shoe 450 isformed with the appendage 30 at the base of the shoe. The supportmembers 102 and 104 are joined to the appendage 30 using any of thepreviously described techniques. The support members 102 and 104 can beformed as sole and heel members. Separate sole and heel components suchas 452 and 454 can be joined to the support members 102 and 104. Ifdesired, a single combined toe and heel support member such as thesupport member 64 (FIG. 16) can be used in combination with a singlecontinuous sole and heel member (not shown) of the type commonly used inrunning shoes.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, a further embodiment of the inventionincludes a kit 310 (FIG. 22) for converting conventional foot equipmentto adjustable foot equipment.

The kit 310 includes the sole member 58, the connection members 80, 82and 84, an appendage member 312, and the toe and heel support members102 and 104 with securement screws such as 128, 132 and 156.

The appendage member 312 includes a marginal wall 316 that extendsupwardly from a base portion 318. The base portion 318 is similar inform to the base 32 of the boot 10. A bonding surface 320 (FIG. 23) isdefined at the inside of the marginal wall 316.

The base portion 318 defines an internal ledge 322 similar to the ledge56 of the boot 10. The appendage member 312 further includes anappendage portion 324 depending from the base portion 318. The appendageportion 324 is similar in form to the appendage 30 of the boot 10.

The kit 310 is intended for use on a conventional plastic ski boot suchas indicated by the reference number 330 (FIG. 20). The boot 330 has abase portion 332 with known toe and heel DIN portions 334 and 336.

The base portion 332 is removed by cutting the boot 330 in any suitableknown manner to yield a baseless boot portion 340 having an open bottomportion 342. Referring to FIG. 23, the open bottom portion 342 isdisposed in the appendage member 312 to engage the bonding surface 320of the marginal wall 316. Any suitable known bonding material such as anepoxy resin, for example Reichhold Resin Dion Ver9100, is coated on thebonding surface 320 of the appendage member 312. Bonding material canalso be applied to a bottom marginal outside surface 344 portion of 342of the baseless boot 340 to join the baseless boot 340 to the appendagemember 312.

The connection members 80, 82 and 84 are disposed in the appendage 324to engage with the support members 102 and 104. The support members 102and 104 are secured to the connection members 80, 82 and 84 in a mannersimilar to that previously described for the boot 10 to form anadjustable foot equipment 346, that is structurally and functionallysimilar to the boot 10. Under this arrangement, the support members 80,82 and 84 can be set to a desired angle with respect to the boot portion340, also as previously described. The sole member 58 is disposed on theledge 322 after the support members 102 and 104 have been secured intheir respective adjusted positions.

Kits 310 are intended to be used to form adjustable ice skates,adjustable in-line roller skates and other adjustable foot equipmentthat would benefit the user by being adjustable in the manner disclosedherein.

Still another embodiment of the adjustable foot equipment, adaptable toa snowboard, is generally indicated by the reference number 350 in FIG.24. Identical adjustable foot equipment 350 is provided at two footstations, 352 and 354 on a snowboard 356.

As most clearly shown in FIG. 26, the adjustable foot equipment 350includes a toe end appendage portion 362 and a heel end appendageportion 364, joined to a support piece 368 that is secured to thesnowboard 356. Known bindings 370 and 371 are provided on the appendageportions 362 and 364.

Referring to FIGS. 24-26, the heel end appendage portion 364 includes aboot surface 372 which accommodates a known snowboard boot 374. The heelend appendage portion 364 includes a depending semi-cylindricalappendage formation 376.

The support piece 368 includes a concave surface 378 that accommodatesthe appendage formation 376 and a pair of pre-formed screw openings 380and 382. A plurality of screws 386 secure the support piece 368 to thesnowboard 356.

The toe end appendage 362 is similar in form to the heel end appendage364 and is similarly engaged by the support piece 368.

Referring to FIG. 25A, a desired offset angular adjustment M between theheel end appendage 364 and the support piece 368 is secured by screws390 and 392. The screws 390 and 392 are threaded into drilled openings,such as 394 and 396, in the semi-cylindrical appendage formation 374.The drilled openings 388 and 390 are provided in the appendage 374 atthe time the angular offset adjustment is established between thesupport piece 368 and the heel end appendage 374 (FIGS. 23A). If noangular offset adjustment is required, drilled openings 398 and 400(FIG. 25) that are normal to the foot surface 372 are provided in theappendage 374.

In similar fashion the toe end appendage portion 362 is secured in thesame offset angular position as the heel end appendage portion 364.Preferably the offset angular adjustments of the heel and toe endappendage portions 362 and 364 are fixed before the support piece 368 isfastened or otherwise joined to the snowboard 356.

Once the foot equipment 350 is adjusted as described, a snowboarder,outfitted with known boots, joins such boots to the foot equipment 350by stepping onto the boot surface 372 and securing the bindings 370 and371. It should be noted that in this embodiment there is no requirementthat the center of curvature of the appendage portions 362 and 364coincide with the boot surface 372.

Another embodiment of the adjustable foot equipment, also adaptable to asnowboard, is generally indicated by the reference number 410 in FIG.27. The adjustable foot equipment 410 includes the foot retentionportion 14 engageable with a support member 412. The support member 412is similar to the one-piece support member 64 of FIG. 15. The supportmember 412 is joined to the snowboard 356 with screws such as 416 and418.

Although the offset condition is not shown in FIG. 27, an angular offsetP or Q between the foot retention member 14 and the support member 412is accomplished in a manner similar to that previously described for theboot 10. Preferably the foot equipment 410 is adjusted for a desiredangular offset between the support member 412 and the foot retentionportion 14 before such support member 412 is secured to the snowboard356.

The foot equipment 410 permits the making of more than one differentangular adjustment and thus facilitates experimentation with a varietyof angular adjustments in accordance with the user's individualrequirements. It should also be noted that the angular offset used by asnowboarder need not be based on off-vertical leg orientation, but upona deliberate inclination of standing posture with respect to a snowboardbased on preferences by a snowboarder. The invention facilitates thesetting of such selected inclinations when desired.

As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, the adjustable footequipment can be used to provide a deliberate off-vertical legorientation of predetermined amount, no matter what the user's normalleg orientation may be.

Some advantages of the invention evident from the foregoing descriptioninclude adjustable foot equipment that permits provision of an offsetangular adjustment to compensate for off-vertical orientation of thelegs. A desired adjusted leg orientation can be established when theuser is wearing the adjustable foot equipment or the foot equipment canbe adjusted separately from the user based on a measurement of theuser's off-vertical leg orientation. A further advantage is that theadjustable foot equipment can be adjusted with the simplest of tools andrequires no special mechanical skills to carry out such adjustment.Another advantage is that the adjustable foot equipment is adaptable todifferent types of foot equipment. Still another advantage is that a kitembodying the invention can be used to convert non-adjustable footequipment to adjustable foot equipment.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes can be made in the above constructions and methodwithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

I claim:
 1. Adjustable foot equipment comprisinga) a ski boot fordetachable engagement with a ski binding, said ski boot having a footcontainment section for accommodating a foot, a toe end, a heel end, anda base portion with a curved bottom surface, b) substantially rigidsupport means at said base portion, said support means including a toeportion at the toe end of the ski boot and a heel portion at the heelend of the ski boot, said support means having one side configured toreceive the curved bottom surface of said base portion such that the toeportion and the heel portion of said support means engage said baseportion to permit relative rotatable movement between said footcontainment section and the toe and heel portions of said support meansto selected angular orientations with respect to each other about anaxis extending longitudinally of the base portion of said footcontainment section, and said support means being configured to permitdetachable engagement with a ski binding, c) securing means for lockingsaid support means and said base portion together at one of saidselected angular orientations between the toe and heel portions of saidsupport means and said foot containment section.
 2. The adjustable footequipment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said curved bottom surface isconstituted as a depending appendage of the foot containment section,and the toe and heel portions of said support means each having aconforming surface complementary with the curved bottom surface of saidappendage to receive the curved bottom surface.
 3. The adjustable footequipment as claimed in claim 2 wherein the curved bottom surface of theappendage and the conforming surface of each of the toe and heelportions of the support means are circular in cross-section.
 4. Theadjustable foot equipment as claimed in claim 3 wherein said circularsurfaces have a common center of curvature located within said boot. 5.The adjustable foot equipment as claimed in claim 3 wherein said boothas an inner sole member for supporting a foot, said inner sole memberextending across said appendage in said longitudal axial direction, andwherein said circular surfaces have common center of curvature on saidinner sole member.
 6. The adjustable foot equipment as claimed in claim5 where said center of curvature is at a longitudal middle portion ofsaid inner sole member.
 7. The adjustable foot equipment as claimed inclaim 3 wherein said curved bottom surface of said appendage is convexand the conforming surface of each of the toe and heel portions of saidsupport means is concave.
 8. The adjustable foot equipment as claimed inclaim 2 wherein said appendage includes a solid portion and saidsecuring means includes a fastener that extends from said support meansfor engagement in the solid portion of said appendage.
 9. The adjustablefoot equipment as claimed in claim 2, wherein said appendage includes ahollow portion.
 10. The adjustable foot equipment as claimed in claim 9,said securing means including a connection member provided in the hollowportion of said appendage.
 11. The adjustable foot equipment as claimedin claim 10 wherein said appendage has a wall portion and said securingmeans further includes a fastener that extends from said support meansthrough the wall of said appendage to said connection member to sandwichthe wall of said appendage between said support means and saidconnection member.
 12. The adjustable foot equipment as claimed in claim11 wherein said appendage has a wall portion and said securing meansincludes a fastener that extends from said support means into saidappendage to lock said support means to said appendage.
 13. Theadjustable foot equipment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said supportmeans is formed as a pair of spaced support members, one of the spacedsupport members being the toe portion and the other of the spacedsupport members being the heel portion.
 14. The adjustable footequipment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support means has anopposite side spaced away from said one side and the opposite side ofsaid support means is a flat surface on said toe portion and said heelportion.